How to enable Libraries in Windows 8.1 File Explorer

Some time ago, we learned that in Windows 8.1, Microsoft will be removing Libraries from File Explorer. The reason for the change has to do with Microsoft adding the main Libraries folders (e.g., Videos, Music, Pictures, Downloads, Desktop, and Documents) to “Computer” (which now has also been renamed to “This PC”.), and having Libraries in the left pane could be confusing to some people.

Although, this isn’t a significant change that will cause many problems, there will some who will miss having access to their Libraries. So what you need to know first is that Microsoft didn’t remove the feature entirely, and second, now it’s just an optional feature that you can easily enable. Follow the steps below to enable Libraries once again in the File Explorer.

Instructions

1 Just open This PC and navigate to the View tab and click Options.

2 Under navigation pane, choose the option Show Libraries, click Apply and OK. That’s pretty much all you have to do.

Or even easier, you can right-click on an empty space on the left pane and simple click Show Libraries.

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